The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 nations divided into 12 groups for the first time in the tournament's history. Co-hosts Mexico, the USA and Canada are top seeds in Groups A, B and D respectively. Scotland are in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti, while England are in Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the first-ever round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed sides. With 104 matches—40 more than in 2022—just three points could be enough for some teams to reach the knockout stages. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are expected to play in the World Cup for the last time.
The tournament began at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, site of Diego Maradona's iconic 1986 performances against England and the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals. Mexico and Canada will each host 13 games, while the United States will host 78. From the quarter-finals onwards, all matches will be in the US, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
England's new golden generation, defending champions Argentina, France's deep squad and Spain's young side are among the favourites. Full fixtures, results and group standings are available.
